Ashton to sit out seven matches

– England wing Chris Ashton has been given a seven-week ban for his tip-tackle on Rory Kockott during Sale’s pre-season friendly win away to French club Castres last Friday, the Rugby Football Union have announced.

Ashton contested the charge but an independent disciplinary hearing found him guilty. It means he will miss an England training camp in Bristol and Sale’s first six games of the upcoming season. –

London